First Light Charters (Dry Tortugas Fishing)
Dry Tortugas, Florida
5110 Overseas Hwy #1, Key West, Florida, 33040
Get ready for the ultimate Dry Tortugas fishing adventure with First Light Charters Key West and renowned guide Captain Kody Michael. Known for his expertise and passion for putting clients on big fish, Capt. Kody offers an unforgettable full-day experience targeting Grouper, Snapper, and other prized reef and bottom species around the legendary Tortugas Bank.
Our Dry Tortugas fishing charters take place aboard a powerful 31-foot Yellowfin powered by twin 300HP Suzukis. While the charter accommodates up to six anglers, we recommend groups of 4–5 for maximum comfort on this long-range trip.
The Dry Tortugas fishing grounds are approximately two hours from Key West, offering remote, untouched waters and world-class fishing. Please note that this trip is dedicated to fishing and does not include a stop at Fort Jefferson. Be sure to pack plenty of food and drinks for the day.
If you’re looking for a serious offshore fishing experience led by one of the best in the Keys, look no further. Book your trip with Captain Kody Michael and First Light Charters today, and prepare for the fishing adventure of a lifetime!
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Dry Tortugas Fishing Trip
(10 Hours)
$3350.00 USD
Starts at: 07:00 AM
Duration: 10 hours
Join us for a full day adventure to the Dry Tortugas National Park!
Take advantage of this extended experience to adapt your fishing techniques and target the season’s most active species, from pelagic game fish to reef dwellers. Expect to target species such as Black Grouper, Red Grouper, Snapper, Tuna, Wahoo, and more, depending on the season.
Price Includes: 6 People
Charter Features:
Cleaning & Filleting
Upon arrival from your day on the water, your catch will be filleted and bagged for you and your family/friends to take home and enjoy!
Live Bait Well
Our Captain’s boat is equipped with a live bait well, which may be used to hold bait and other smaller fish you may catch.
Rods, Reels, & Tackle
Our Captains are prepared with all the equipment necessary to catch whatever may swim your way! All the rods, reels, tackle, and bait will be provided to target whatever species you are hoping to catch!
You Keep Catch
Aside from the species required to be released by law and some species that may not be recommended as table fair, whatever fish are landed while out on the water are yours to keep!
What To Bring:
Additional Drinks
Camera
Cash
Fishing License
Hat
Non-Spray Sunscreen
Small Cooler
Snacks/Food
Sunglasses
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Boat Specs:
- Length: 31'
- Year: 2014
- Type: Center Console
- Model: Yellowfin
- Engine: 2 x 300HP (Suzuki)
- Capacity: 6 Persons
Types of Fish:
- African Pompano
- Amberjack (Greater)
- Barracuda
- Cobia
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Grouper (Black)
- Grouper (Goliath)
- Grouper (Red)
- Grouper (Scamp)
- Grouper (Snowy)
- Grouper (Warsaw)
- Grouper (Yellowedge)
- Jack (Almaco)
- Jack (Crevalle)
- Jack (Horse-Eye)
- Mackerel (Atlantic)
- Mackerel (Cero)
- Mackerel (King)
- Mackerel (Spanish)
- Margate
- Permit
- Pompano
- Rainbow Runner
- Sailfish
- Shark
- Snapper (Cubera)
- Snapper (Lane)
- Snapper (Mangrove)
- Snapper (Mutton)
- Snapper (Red)
- Swordfish
- Tilefish (Blue)
- Tilefish (Golden)
- Triggerfish (Gray)
- Tuna (Blackfin)
- Wahoo
Fishing Techniques:
- Bottom Fishing
- Deep Dropping
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Drift Fishing
- Heavy Tackle
- Jigging
- Kite Fishing
- Light Tackle
- Live Bait Fishing
- Spearfishing
- Spinning
Charter Amenities:
- Child Friendly
- Cooler
- Disabled Accessible
- First Mate
- Pet Friendly
Boat Reviews:
Julia Carmichael
Bucket-list fishing trip! We made the long haul to the Dry Tortugas and came back with memories (and fish) to last a lifetime. Can’t wait to go again with First Light Charters.
2025-02-24
Rating:
5.0
Tyler Bain
Captain Kody took us far and deep—and it paid off. Huge snapper, strong amberjack, and the freshest fish dinner ever. The Yellowfin is a beast in all the right ways.
2025-02-16
Rating:
5.0
Natalie Frye
What a way to kick off the year! Calm weather, great fishing, and a captain who truly knows these waters. We’ll be rebooking soon.
2025-01-25
Rating:
5.0
Riley Booker
Caught snapper, grouper, and even a few blackfin tuna. Dry Tortugas never disappoints, especially with a guide like Kody. His passion and energy made it special.
2024-11-09
Rating:
5.0
Noah McKee
We’ve done charters all over Florida, and this one is a top contender. Killer gear, awesome captain, and fish from start to finish. Highly recommend.
2024-08-30
Rating:
5.0
Chloe Sanders
Can’t believe how many fish we pulled up! The ride to the Tortugas was smooth, and Captain Kody had the best attitude—super helpful and great with the kids too.
2024-06-16
Rating:
5.0
Daniel Chase
The fish didn’t stop biting! We limited out on snapper early and got into amberjack and grouper later. Kody knows his stuff and his boat is built for these waters.
2024-04-07
Rating:
5.0
Ava Monroe
Kody made this trip easy, fun, and unforgettable. Even got my personal best mutton snapper! Loved the setup on the Yellowfin—it was perfect for a long day offshore.
2024-01-11
Rating:
5.0
Brandon Curry
Nothing like offshore fishing in the Tortugas. Captain Kody was friendly, professional, and had us pulling in fish before sunrise. Fantastic charter.
2023-11-20
Rating:
5.0
Grace Hollowell
Epic day on the water! The boat was fast and comfortable, and Captain Kody’s local knowledge was next-level. We hit deep drops for grouper and tilefish—what a haul!
2023-09-02
Rating:
5.0
Logan Reyes
The Dry Tortugas are incredible, and Kody made the experience even better. We fished hard all day and came back with a cooler full of snapper. The Yellowfin handled the seas perfectly.
2023-06-27
Rating:
5.0
Samantha Boone
Hands down one of the best fishing trips I’ve ever had. Captain Kody knew exactly where to find the fish—snapper, grouper, even a blackfin tuna! Couldn’t have asked for more.
2023-03-14
Rating:
5.0
Megan Allen
One of the most professional charters around.
2022-03-16
Rating:
5.0
Ian Titus
The captain was great with kids and goes the extra mile. He’s enthusiastic about his profession and clearly wants to share enthusiasm with his clients.
2022-02-27
Rating:
5.0
Kyle vandenberg
Great day on the water!
2022-02-04
Rating:
5.0
Nelson A.
Incredible day! Great customer service. Won't book with anyone else in the Keys.
2022-01-29
Rating:
5.0
Nicole Vaughn
Capt. Kody is incredibly hard-working and knows how to produce! 🎣 If you’re looking for a fishing charter and Key West Captain Kody is the best choice.
2021-12-25
Rating:
5.0
Jesse V.
Capt. Kody consistently puts us on the fish! We have been fishing with him for years now and won’t fish with anybody else and Key West. He is great with kids and patient with all of us when we get our rods tangled (haha). Highly recommend booking a trip with First Light! 🤙🏼
2021-12-16
Rating:
5.0
Brad LaRoche
Captain Kody is by far the best skipper in the Keys!
2021-11-30
Rating:
5.0
Nigel Jackson
Kody is persistent and will not give up until he has put fish in the fish box. We have two charters with him booked this summer and can’t wait.
2021-11-14
Rating:
5.0
Jane Whelan
We fished with Kody back in July 2019 and had to book again when we came back to Key West this year. Our kids have not stopped talking about fishing with Kody since. Let’s just say this guy knows what he’s doing! We always recommend that people book with First Light Charters if they are looking for a great guide in the lower keys.
2021-10-05
Rating:
5.0
Jon Kuikman
Booked with Captain Kody after watching him on Landmark Outdoors YouTube channel. He did not disappoint! We filled the fish box by noon with Tuna, Amberjack, Wahoo, Kingfish, Snapper and more. Legendary.
2021-08-08
Rating:
5.0
Taylor P.
Capt. Kody is absolutely incredible and always puts us on the fish!
2021-07-31
Rating:
5.0
Alex Roy
There's zero doubt that Capt. Cody is an expert. I highly recommend booking with First Light Charters if you're looking for a high quality fishing charter in Key West, Florida.
2021-07-02
Rating:
5.0
Brian Wardlaw
Booked a full day trip with Captain Kody and was very impressed by the entire process. Kody was a great communicator and had 10/10 customer service prior to the trip. He worked hard to put us on the fish even though conditions were rough the morning of. Moving forward I will book with him anytime I'm in key west and looking to fish.
2021-06-28
Rating:
5.0
Frankie S.
Best saltwater guide in the lower keys!
2021-06-11
Rating:
5.0
Mauricio Garcia
Capt. Kody is an incredible Captain. He knows how to find the fish and educates his clients along the way.
2021-06-03
Rating:
5.0
Karl Nealy
14/10 recommend.
2021-05-31
Rating:
5.0
Judd D.
Booked with Captain Kody for a bachelor party and we weren’t disappointed. Four of us were fighting fish at the same time and somehow managed to helped us all land our fish 😂 For real, this guy knows how it’s done. I will definitely be booking again with First Light Charters in Key West.
2021-05-09
Rating:
5.0
Josh DiGiulio
Capt. Cody is the best in the Keys! Guarantee you’ll catch more fish with him than any other Captain.
2021-04-12
Rating:
5.0
CJ Mack
Capt. Kody crushes it every time!
2021-03-01
Rating:
5.0
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